Regional treatment differences?

FormerMember
FormerMember
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Hello Ladies,

I am starting this question with ... I know we are individuals and our treatments are tapered accordingly.

I have DCIS caught on mammogram early and very treatable. (Tumour 2.2cm of which 1.2cm was cancerous). Currently post surgery awaiting RT as cells were high grade ... whoop whoop. 

All paperwork/leaflets I have received from the hospital told me that breast cancer would be tested for ER, PR, HER2. So I was somewhat surprised at my recent surgical review to be told my team did not test for these in DCIS. 

I have asked the question with the surgeon and the radiologist and have the standard response from them both. 

Anyone else been told this? Oddly, my sister has also been diagnosed with DCIS this week past, her tumour 2cm big, different health authority, but was tested? And, has been told she will likely go on hormone inhibitors.

I suppose it is just wanting the most information about the cancer, I sort of feel deprived of knowledge. I acknowledge it's early breast cancer but this is a second primary cancer having had endometrial cancer 18 months ago. 

Somehow, being told this is just bad luck...concerns me.

So ... regional differences or standard practice?

I would be interested in your views.

Ta!

  • Hi  

    I believe DCIS is not tested for HER2+ anywhere as the treatment for this type of cell is Chemotheraphy and Chemo is not a treatment for DCIS , I had HER2+ /ER+invasive cancer which I had my treatment plan for , and they uncovered the high grade DCIS when they operated - they were only interested in getting clear margins for the DCIS , my invasive cancer was where my treatment plan was centred , even though my DCIS was high grade and rupturing. 

    There has been lots of research on whether treatment of DCIS is too extensive and some lower grade ones are just being monitored rather than treated - my husband has prostate cancer and has been on active surveillance for over two years , his is slow growing and it may be the case with Soe DCIS. 

    There are some new discussions of  NICE guidelines on treatment , https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng101/documents/draft-guideline

    and it looks like if you are having radiotherapy the newer guidelines are that endocrine treatment is no longer recommended. 

    It maybe worth having a conversation with your nurse as to the newer guidelines and why they don’t test for ER+ ? 

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to jowoomot

    Thank you for your reply. I have found it very helpful.

    Mwah